Manitoba Hansard — 24 May 2022 (Sitting 55B, 42nd Legislature, 4th Session)

42-4-55b

Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)

Fourth Session – Forty-Second Legislature of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS Official Report (Hansard) Published under the authority of The Honourable Myrna Driedger Speaker Vol. LXXVI No. 55B - 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2022 ISSN 0542-5492

MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Forty-Second Legislature Member Constituency Political Affiliation ALTOMARE, Nello Transcona NDP ASAGWARA, Uzoma Union Station NDP BRAR, Diljeet Burrows NDP BUSHIE, Ian Keewatinook NDP CLARKE, Eileen, Hon. Agassiz PC COX, Cathy Kildonan-River East PC CULLEN, Cliff, Hon. Spruce Woods PC DRIEDGER, Myrna, Hon. Roblin PC EICHLER, Ralph Lakeside PC EWASKO, Wayne, Hon. Lac du Bonnet PC FIELDING, Scott, Hon. Kirkfield Park PC FONTAINE, Nahanni St. Johns NDP FRIESEN, Cameron, Hon. Morden-Winkler PC GERRARD, Jon, Hon. River Heights Lib. GOERTZEN, Kelvin, Hon. Steinbach PC GORDON, Audrey, Hon.

Southdale PC GUENTER, Josh Borderland PC GUILLEMARD, Sarah, Hon. Fort Richmond PC HELWER, Reg, Hon. Brandon West PC ISLEIFSON, Len Brandon East PC JOHNSON, Derek, Hon. Interlake-Gimli PC JOHNSTON, Scott, Hon. Assiniboia PC KHAN, Obby Fort Whyte PC KINEW, Wab Fort Rouge NDP LAGASSÉ, Bob Dawson Trail PC LAGIMODIERE, Alan, Hon. Selkirk PC LAMONT, Dougald St. Boniface Lib. LAMOUREUX, Cindy Tyndall Park Lib.

LATHLIN, Amanda The Pas-Kameesak NDP LINDSEY, Tom Flin Flon NDP MALOWAY, Jim Elmwood NDP MARCELINO, Malaya Notre Dame NDP MARTIN, Shannon McPhillips PC MICHALESKI, Brad Dauphin PC MICKLEFIELD, Andrew Rossmere PC MORLEY-LECOMTE, Janice Seine River PC MOSES, Jamie St. Vital NDP NAYLOR, Lisa Wolseley NDP NESBITT, Greg Riding Mountain PC PEDERSEN, Blaine Midland PC PIWNIUK, Doyle, Hon. Turtle Mountain PC REYES, Jon, Hon. Waverley PC SALA, Adrien St. James NDP SANDHU, Mintu The Maples NDP SCHULER, Ron Springfield-Ritchot PC SMITH, Andrew, Hon.

Lagimodière PC SMITH, Bernadette Point Douglas NDP SMOOK, Dennis La Vérendrye PC SQUIRES, Rochelle, Hon. Riel PC STEFANSON, Heather, Hon. Tuxedo PC TEITSMA, James Radisson PC WASYLIW, Mark Fort Garry NDP WHARTON, Jeff, Hon. Red River North PC WIEBE, Matt Concordia NDP WISHART, Ian Portage la Prairie PC WOWCHUK, Rick Swan River PC Vacant Thompson

2297 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA Tuesday, May 24, 2022 The House met at 1:30 p.m. Madam Speaker: Good afternoon, everybody. Please be seated. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF BILLS Bill 38–The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Good afternoon, Madam Speaker. I move, seconded by the Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development (Mr. Fielding), that Bill 38, The Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Amendment Act, be now read for a first time. Motion presented. Mr.

Goertzen: Liquor service licences are for loca- tions such as restaurants and bars where liquor is consumed on site. Currently, the framework for these licences is complicated. Many licences have require - ments related to offering enter tainment, unique hos - pitality experiences or food service, none of which relate to the safe and respon sible service of liquor. Under the proposed legislative amendments, the num- ber of categories would be reduced to provide for a more flexible framework that would allow for new business models to become licensed.

In addition, Madam Speaker, last year our gov- ernment passed amendments to allow for the delivery of liquor with takeout and delivery of food orders by dining rooms and lounges. This bill will expand that program to all liquor service licences, not just dining rooms and lounges, providing them the option to sell liquor with takeout and delivery. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Bill 41–The Child and Family Services Amendment Act Hon.

Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice, t hat Bill 41, The Child and Family Services Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la

Loi sur les services à l'enfant et à la famille, be now read a first time. Motion presented. Ms. Squires: Bill 41 will amend The Child and Family Services Act as a key step to support the real- ization of Indigenous jurisdiction over child and fam- ily services. These amendments will provide Indigenous gov- erning bodies and their service providers with access to information about children and families receiving child and family services.

The amend ments will also authorize the transfer of service responsibility, enable the use of the prov incial CFS electronic information system and the Child Abuse Registry and protect certain information shared under this act. Additionally, Bill 41 includes clari fications re - garding the information sharing required to best sup- port children receiving CFS services and clarify the use of the Child Abuse Registry by prov incially mandated agencies.

These changes will ensure the seamless transition of services from prov incial CFS agencies to service providers operating under Indigenous laws, ongoing province-wide service co -ordination and the con- tinued safety of children. I am pleased to present this bill to the House for consideration. Madam Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion? Agreed? [Agreed] Committee reports? Tabling of reports?

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS Madam Speaker: The honour able First Minister – [interjection] Oh, and I would just indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceed - ings was provided in accordance with rule 26(2). Would the honourable First Minister please pro - ceed with her statement. Ukrainian Refugees Arrive in Manitoba Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): I rise in the House today to speak about our government's un- wavering support for the Ukrainian people. For over 150 years, Manitoba has welcomed thousands of Ukrainians to build a life right here in our province.

As the Ukrainian people fight for their country and their freedom, our province has once

2298 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 again become a beacon of hope and a home away from home for families in need. I want to acknowledge Mr. Oleksandr Shevchenko, consul general of Ukraine in Canada, and our good friend Joanne Lewandoski, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Manitoba council, who are here with us today in the Speaker's gallery. Thank you for being here today.

Madam Speaker, I was honoured to stand with both of these in credible individuals yesterday, along with many of my colleagues here in Manitoba and across the country, to welcome 328 Ukrainians ar - riving on the first chartered flight from Ukraine to Canada. It was an incredibly emotional and heart - warming day for everyone. Yesterday's flight brings the total number of Ukrainian newcomers to Manitoba to nearly 1,000, with more families arriving every day to our James Richardson international airport and to our welcome centre.

I had the honour yesterday of speaking with three generations of Ukrainians just from one family, all seeking refuge from this brutal war of aggression. Leaving behind other family members and loved ones to fight against this unjust war. I can only imagine, Madam Speaker, how difficult this must be for each and every one of them. They may not know how long they will be here, but they were filled with joy as they walked into our provincial welcome centre yesterday.

It was a place where they could feel connected to Manitoba's special bond with Ukraine for the first time, while getting their health cards and welcome packages. They were greeted by dozens of volunteers from all across this great province of ours who w ere there to help them through this difficult journey for they and their families. To those volunteers, we thank you. Without your hard work and perseverance, none of this would have been possible. Manitobans can learn about these efforts and what they can do to help by visiting manitoba4ukraine.ca.

We can do great things, Madam Speaker, when we work together, and I encourage all Manitobans to get involved in this critical relief effort. To all Ukrainians who have chosen to come to Manitoba, we support you with open hearts and open arms. Manitoba is ready to be your home away from home. Our government will be with you every step of the way from now until the end of this unjust war. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr. Mark Wasyliw (Fort Garry): Madam Speaker, all our hearts were warmed to hear that the first plane of Ukraine refugees arrived at the Winnipeg Richardson international airport yesterday.

This pro- vince has a long history of welcoming refugees from Ukraine, and the welcome they received yesterda y continues to show Manitobans' support for Ukrainian newcomers. But we know that their arrival in Manitoba is just beginning. There's still much work ahead to get them settled into this province. Thankfully, people like Emily Halldorson, the Ukraine response co-ordinator for the Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations, are doing just that. We commend her and all those doing resettlement work here in Manitoba.

Sadly, while Emily and others are working day in and day out to help resettle these refugees, this gov- ernment is failing to do their part. The Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) is happy to welcome Ukrainian children in front of cameras at the airport but hasn't bothered to recruit additional full- time settlement– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wasyliw: –co-ordinators to help resettle them. She's more than willing to glad-hand–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Wasyliw: –Ukrainians on Vyshyvanka Day, but hasn't increased humanitarian aid to Ukraine during the nation's darkest moment.

And while she'll walks– wax eloquent in this Chamber about her government's commitment to Ukrainian refugees, she has yet to ensure that they don't exper ience any more delays with their medical exams and updated work permits. Finally, I reiterate our call to set up an all- party committee to guide the government's resettlement efforts. Hopefully, after meeting with newly arrived refugees yesterday, the Premier has realized that it isn't a time for partisanship, but instead a moment that demands an all-hands-deck approach.

I will continue to urge her to do more to ensure that Ukrainian refu- gees are properly supported in our province. Ms. Cindy Lamoureux (Tyndall Park): I ask for leave to respond to the minister's statement.

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2299 Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed] * (13:40) Ms. Lamoureux: It is an honour to stand in the House today and welcome everyone who was on our first chartered flight to Manitoba. Yesterday, 328 dis - placed Ukrainians landed here in Winnipeg, and they have been openly welcomed by friends, family mem- bers and volunteers who are eager and ready to help them resettle in Canada.

Madam Speaker, Manitoba is home to over 180,000 Manitobans with Ukrainian heritage who have contributed so much to our economy and our diversity. This is in part why we need to do everything we can to support a free, democratic and independent Ukraine and take care of the many individuals who have begun arriving and will be arriving here in Manitoba. Madam Speaker, as these displaced Ukrainians settle, we need to ensure that they are all fully sup - ported at the provincial level. What this means is every displaced individual needs access to health care, both mental health and physical health.

They need access to education–post-secondary, grade school and resources–here in the province of Manitoba. They need child care, jobs, shelter and food and a sense of security, safety and community Madam Speaker, there are many basic necessities that these displaced Ukrainians will need our pro- vincial help with, and I am hopeful that this will be a smooth transition for each and every one of them.

Before wrapping up, I want to mention a few final thoughts: (1) if you are a Ukrainian and you are con- sidering coming to Canada, please explore Manitoba Operation Blue Skies as an option; (2) i f you are looking for ways to volunteer and support displaced Ukrainians, please reach out to the Canadian congress, Manitoba provincial council; and (3) lastly, Madam Speaker, I want to say welcome to all of those who have landed in Manitoba thus far. We commend you for your courage and are here to support you in any way we can. Thank you.

Madam Speaker: Further ministerial statements–and I would indicate that the required 90 minutes notice prior to routine proceedings was provided in accord- ance with our rule 26(2). Would the honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure please proceed with his statement. Flooding Update Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, this morning I had the opportunity to join the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) in a helicopter flood tour of the Whiteshell area. The Minister of Environment, Climate and Parks (Mr. Wharton) and the me mber for Lac du Bonnet (Mr.

Ewasko) and the Leader of the Official Opposition (Mr. Kinew) also joined us on the tour. We toured locations such as Otter Falls, Seven Sisters Falls, Big Whiteshell Lake, as well as Caddy Lake and West Hawk Lake. Due to the high–record-high water levels in this region, there was significant damage to private prop - erty and provincial property. As well, we saw devasta- tion first-hand due to the high water levels. In response to this flooding, the Whiteshell Provincial Park has issued a state of local emergency, and some mandatory evacuations have been ordered to local residents, Madam Speaker.

Our government will continue to keep the cot - tagers of Manitoba informed, and the response–a call centre has been established on a–dail y communica- tions are being produced for property owners. One emergency trailer of 1,000 feet of Tiger tubes was requested by 'nepinak' lake and also filled by MTI on May 21st, Madam Speaker. Additional flood protection resources, including a small sa ndbagging machine and prefilled sandbags, were also delivered immediately–use within the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

I will continue to thank the tireless efforts of our provincial crews, from both Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as from the Department of Environment, Climate and Parks; and we can also add Manitoba Hydro, Madam Speaker, because they also looked after the waterways when it comes to hydro - logic forecasting. Our floodfighting efforts and dedi - cation do not go unnoticed. Our 'hydrotic' forecasting team has indicated there is no significant precipitation in the forecast for southern and central Manitoba over the next five days, Madam Speaker, which is quite of a relief.

Water levels across the province will –generally declining; however, flows on the Souris River in Manitoba are increasing due to releases of reservoirs upstream from the United States. As water levels

2300 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 recede in parts of the province, our government will begin assessing damages to infrastructure and deter - mine next steps in rebuilding and recovery, Madam Speaker. A reminder to Manitobans: our emergency man - agement organi zation has began hosting disaster financial assistance information webinars for muni - cipalities and private citizens. Please check our EMO website for more details. Madam Speaker, 38 municipal and northern affairs communities remain in states of local emer - gency, as well as seven First Nation communities.

As I mentioned, the Whiteshell Provincial Park has also declared state of local emergency. In the town of Minnedosa, water levels and flows on the Little Saskatchewan River continue to recede at most locations, but water levels remain high. Crews continue to monitor the flood mitigation efforts, in collaboration with local officials. While Indigenous Services Canada remains the leading body in the disaster effort, our government will support federal jurisdictions as needed.

On May 22nd, 15,000 sandbags were provided to MTI to Pauingassi First Nation to protect residents and critical infrastructure in their community, Madam Speaker. Following the federal gov ernment's Indigenous Services Canada lead, our government will work with local First Nations and municipalities to assess future flood mitigation measures. My deepest thanks to the provincial Infrastructure and Parks staff for working tirelessly throughout the long weekend along with many volunteers, Madam Speaker.

Again, your efforts do not go unnoticed, and the cottagers in Manitoba appreciate your dedication to safety in this province. Thank you. Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): Madam Speaker, this continues to be an incred ibly challenging time for Manitobans across the province. As flood water levels have begun to recede in one area, they've come up in another, and we saw levels stabilize in parts of Westman and the Pembina Valley this weekend as they rose rapidly in the Whiteshell. George Daniel, who lives on West Hawk Lake, said he's never seen anything close to the water level in six decades.

The highway has been washed out in several places, and there's a state of local emergency– remains in effect in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Thankfully, over 100 staff have been deployed on the ground, including 70 fire fighters and 30 prov incial staff. We thank them for their around- the-clock efforts. They of–are, of course, aided by volunteers and members of the nearby Whiteshell, including members of nearby lodges who are sending workers to help feed volunteers, including at the Pinewood Lodge. Many Manitobans have now been evac uated, 500 alone from the Whiteshell area, including many permanent residents.

Our thoughts are with them and with all those who are still in danger of imme diate flooding as water levels continue to rise across the province. But as we continue to stand with those who are at this immediate risk, we also commend those who are beginning to do the hard work of rebuilding where the flood waters have receded. The crossing at steep river–Steeprock River, between Mafeking and the junction with PTH 77, is repaire d, for example, and the bridge at Pine River between Ethelbert and Cowan is now reopened to traffic.

This work is all in thanks to volunteers and the workers in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, who are working day in and day out to ensure that Manitobans can get to and from their homes and to their work. Highway 6 has also re - opened, restoring an important link to the North. And the member for Fort Rouge (Mr. Kinew) was recently in Minnedosa where the task of cleanup and dealing with the receding flood waters has begun, but also thoughts of planning for long-term rebuilding and flood mitigation projects.

As always, my thanks to the minister for this up- date to the House and for including the member for Fort Rouge in flood tours and also updates to this House. This is a ongoing and developing situation, so we hope that over the next few days of sun there will be some relief and some reprieve for those who are fighting the floods. But we thank all those who are on the front lines doing that work now. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I ask leave to respond to the minister's statement.

Madam Speaker: Does the member have leave to respond to the ministerial statement? [Agreed]

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2301 Mr. Gerrard: Madam Speaker, I thank the minister for the flood update. Yesterday, I visited Minnedosa and various other sites along the Little Saskatchewan River to get a first -hand view of the flood situation there. I want to thank Councillor Tom Dowsett for showing us around Minnesota –Minnedosa to see the flood, its impact and the activities conducted to pre - vent flooding. It's a wake -up call to go into town and see the potential seriousness of the situation with sandbags lined up on both sides of Main Street.

Fortunately, the water did not over tap–top the sandbags along the river. In places, there are two lines of sandbags because of fears that the first line might be breached. Fortunately, both lines of sandbags are holding. * (13:50) Prompt and effective actio n by the mayor and council in Minnedosa, together with the Province and with many volunteers, is to be credited with the fact that the damage was limited.

I understand there were a small number of homes which had water in their basements, but overall, there was remarkably effective prevention of water damage in spite of the very large increase in the flow of water in the Little Saskatchewan River. Myself, my wife Naomi and our caucus staff Richard Davies were able to visit the dam site as part of the tour. We saw several of the wooden beams which have been removed from the outlet. I under - stand the old beams will be replaced, which is badly needed in view of the conditions the existing beams are in.

I want to compliment the efforts of the mem - bers of the Minnedosa council and the members of the Minnedosa community and nearby residents, in- cluding residents and members of five Hutterite col - onies, who helped with the sandbagging and with the flood prevention. I thank the minister for his updates on the DFAA program and from various sites in Manitoba, includ - ing the Whiteshell and Peguis.

Once again, I reiterate the need to understand why the flood warning to Peguis was given only two days before the major flood and the importance of develop- ing and im plementing long- term plans to protect Peguis as other communities in Manitoba have been protected. It must be done, and we need a commitment now from the federal and provincial governments that it will be done. Thank you. Merci. Miigwech. MEMBERS' STATEMENTS Lakeside MLAs Mr.

Ralph Eichler (Lakeside): Madam Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to stand today before you to acknowledge July 18th as the 100th-year anniversary with only three MLAs in the constituency of Lakeside, and I am proud to be one of those myself, of the three. Douglas Lloyd Campbell was first elected on July 18th, 1922. He returned in each of the –1927, 1932, re-elected in July of 1936. Campbell was sworn in as the minister of Agricul ture in December of that year, serving 11 years, the longest serving Ag minister in Manitoba.

He faced no opposition in the election of 1941, won by acclamation in 1945 and '49, was re -elected and acclaimed between 1949 and 1966. He served as the 13th premier of Manitoba from 1948 to 1958; 47 years of continuous service was one of the longest in British Commonwealth history. Harry Enns was first elected on June 23rd, 1966; also served as the Ag minister from '67 to '68 and again from 1993 to 1999. He would continue to hold his seat for 34 years. I was fi rst elected June third, 2003, served as Ag minister in 2016. Went on to be elected in 2007, '11, '16 then also 2019.

I continue to hold my seat in Lakeside after 19 years, marking 2022 as 100th year with only three MLAs who have also served as Ag ministers. Madam Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the three MLAs who served the Province for 100 years. I invite everyone to come join the cele- bration July the 18th, 2022, at the South Interlake Rockwood Ag Society in Stonewall from 5 to 8. Manitoba Museum Indigenous Advisory Circle Mr. Ian Bushie (Keewatinook): I rise today to share a few words about the Manitoba Museum – [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mr. Bushie: –and the museum's Indigenous advisory circle.

2302 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Madam Speaker, as a child and even as late as just the other day, I have been a regular guest of the Manitoba Museum. In that time, I have seen various aspects and galleries of the museum evolve and also seen some remain the same. In recent years, the Manitoba Museum created the museum's Indigenous advisory circle. The advisory circle has been instrumental in ensuring the history and culture of Indigenous peoples is reflected in various galleries in the museum.

This past September 30, during the inaugural National Day for Truth and Recon ciliation, the museum welcomed hundreds of Manitobans from all backgrounds to learn, reflect and respond to the history of the residential school system. One visitor quote stood out to me, Madam Speaker. In it, they said, and I quote: I think we need exhibits like this all year round. Education is power. We are all still here. Every child matters. Chi-miigwech. End quote.

The project Bringing Our Stories Forward and with other ongoing initiatives, exhibits and programs at the museum are making it a priority to ensure that Indigenous-led and underrepresented stories continue to be a part of the future museum experience. As the museum and the Indigenous advisory circle continue to collaborate, the conversations have begun to focus on exploring and understanding con- cepts and methods towards indigenization and de - colonization of museums. These issues are critical for museums to develop exhibits, programs, school cur - riculum and even training and hiring of staff.

Madam Speaker, to close, I would like to thank the hard work and dedication of the Manitoba Museum Indigenous Advisory Circle and to once again mention a portion of the quote from earlier, quote: We need exhibits like this all year round. Education is power. End quote. I ask all memb ers to take time to visit the Manitoba Museum. It truly is a great exper ience–and very calming, I might add. Madam Speaker, I also wish to include the mem- bers of the museum's Indigenous advisory council for Hansard. Miigwech.

Manitoba Museum Indigenous Advisory Circle members: Fred Ford –Inuit elder; Joe Hyslop – Denesuline, Northlands First Nation; Jaimie Isaac – Anishinaabekwe, Sagkeeng First Nation; Dr. Cary Miller–Anishinaabekwe, Wisconsin; Sophia Rabliauskas–Anishinaabekwe, Poplar River First Nation; Dr. Darrell Racine–Métis, Turtle Mountain; Kevin Tacan– Dakota, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation; Shawna Wolfe–Métis. Rainbow Stage Reopening Mrs. Cathy Cox (Kildonan-River East): Madam Speaker, I'd like to say vitayemo [welcome] to Consul General Shevchenko an d Joanne Lewandowski [phonetic]. Thank you. On with the show, Madam Speaker.

As the MLA representing the vibrant constituency of Kildonan- River East, I am excited and delighted to announce that after a two-year hiatus, the Rainbow Stage is once again opening its doors, ready to welcome the return of thousands of guests to its unique and picturesque open-air venue. Madam Speaker, nestled in the historic Kildonan Park along the banks of the Red River, Rainbow Stage holds bragging rights as the largest and l ongest running indoor theatre across all of Canada.

Rainbow Stage has captivated guests of all ages for 68 years, and it's no surprise that on opening night, back on July 7th, 1954, it was the Ukrainian Youth Association who were the very first performers to ever take to the stage on opening night. And today, Madam Speaker, nearly seven decades later, we continue to embrace our Ukrainian community and hold those families fleeing Ukraine deep in our hearts. Manitobans have many fond memories of those amazing under -the-stars or moonlight performances they enjoyed at Rainbow Stage.

I, for one, will never forget the excitement as a child when I first took to that very stage, adorned in my Ukrainian attire, for my very first Ukrainian dance recital. Madam Speaker, Manitobans love their hockey, and Rainbow Stage is hitting the ice with their season opener, a classic–Canadian classic–The Hockey Sweater, that recalls a small town's passion and love for their hockey hero, Maurice the "Rocket" Richard. Inspired by author Roch Carrier's book, Canada even released a $5 banknote back in 2002 that included excerpts and scenes from The Hockey Sweater.

And make sure you hold on to your seats, Madam Speaker, or you may be whisked away as we join Dorothy and Toto on their exciting journey down the yellow brick road. Yes, returning for the third time to Rainbow Stage history, the 1939 musical classic The Wizard of Oz will entertain, mystify and enchant

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2303 guests of all ages as they take off on their wild and crazy– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Some Honourable Members: Leave. Madam Speaker: Is there leave to allow the member to complete her statement? [Agreed] Mrs. Cox: And as the resurgence of Rainbow Stage draws closer, I say, bravo, to the amazing Rainbow Stage team and the countless volunteers like my friend, an amazing constituent, Tyler Leighton, who is joining us in the gallery today. Thank you for you dedication, your resiliency and your passion.

Somewhere, over the rainbow, dreams really do come true, Madam Speaker. Health-Care Support Staff Acknowledgements Mr. Mintu Sandhu (The Maples): I rise today to recognize the invaluable work of health- care support staff. Health-care support staff have been on the front lines of the pandemic, struggling every day with short staffing, low morale and exhaustion, all while doing their best to care for Manitobans. Health-care support staff have not had a new contract since 2017, when the government first tabled unconstitutional wage -freeze legislation.

Health-care support staff have been on the front lines of this pandemic since day one. They are com - mitted to doing what they can and keeping Manitoba's health-care system healthy and running, and this PC government must do the same. For the past five years, he alth-care support staff across the province have been without a collective bargaining agreement. * (14:00) Madam Speaker, health -care workers are at the bedside when our loved ones need care. They deserve respect, fair pay and a fair deal.

After years without a contract, health -care support staff want to see real support from the government, and that includes a fair contract for all staff. The PC government needs to prioritize collective bargaining with health -care sup- port staff. Manitoba's health-care support staff work- ers deserve a fair contract now. On behalf of my NDP colleagues and I, I would like to thank all the health-care support staff workers for working tirelessly to care –take care of our com - munities, and we will continue to advocate to ensure no health-care worker is left behind. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Little Saskatchewan River Wildlife Corridor Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, I speak today of the need for formal recognition and a stewardship plan for the Little Saskatchewan River wildlife or ecological corridor which runs from Lake Audy in Riding Mountain National Park to the Assiniboine River. Last year, after conversations with local residents, Sheva Schwartz, a summer student in my office, pro- duced the firs t draft of a report which has looked at the potential and need for formal recognition of a wildlife or ecological corridor here. It is a unique and important corridor for wildlife.

The report, which is available on my MLA web- site, provided the backgroun d on such an ecological corridor and provided the basis for Bill 239, The Ecological Reserves Amendment Act (Ecological Corridors), which was presented last week. The recognition of ecological corridors along rivers is emerging as important for preservin g bio - diversity and for addressing climate change. The cor- ridor along the Little Saskatchewan River is parti- cularly important for the migration of birds as well as for movements of animals and other species.

Our report and Bill 239 is an effort to begin a conversation on ecological corridors in Manitoba. We need a fundamental shift from preserving islands of habitats to preserving corridors, as corridors are much more sustainable. In order to preserve cor - ridors, which include a lot of privately owned land, we need a new approach which will look at private land- owners and Indigenous people as partners with gov- ernments in stewardship and in decision making. Jocelyn Beever, from Rivers, and I have already met with the councils of Riverdale, Yellowhea d and Harrison Park to discuss our report and update it.

The federal government has also recog nized the import - ance of ecological corridors, and we look forward for further discussions and further steps with others as this idea moves forward. Thank you.

2304 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Introduction of Guests Madam Speaker: Prior to oral questions, I would like to introduce to you some guests that we have in the gallery. I would like to draw the attention of all honour - able members to the Speaker's Gallery, where we have with us today Mr. Oleksandr Shevchenko, the consul general of Ukraine in Canada, and Joanne Lewandowski [phonetic], president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba. We are honoured to host you here today.

I would also like to draw the attention of all honourable members to the public gallery, where we have with us today family and friends of the honour - able Minister of Advanced Edu cation, Skills and Immigration (Mr. Reyes): Reynold and Letitia Reyes, Raquel Roque from Vancouver, BC, and Ronaldo and Laura Tiodin from Abbotsford, BC. On behalf of all honour able members, we wel - come you here today. ORAL QUESTIONS Aerial Tour of Flooded Whiteshell Area Visitors Gallery Acknowledgements Mr.

W ab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, I want to begin by adding my welcome to the consul general of the Ukraine and to the head of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba Provincial Council. To you, I say: Slava Ukraini; heroyam s lava [Glory to Ukraine; glory to the heroes.] I also want to acknowl edge the Premier, as well as her colleagues from Edu cation, Climate and Conservation, and Infrastructure, for the invitation to participate in the aerial tour of Eastman and some of the flooding areas hard hit in the Whiteshell region.

Certainly, we reiterate our thanks to all the flood fighters, including firefighters who are there, conser- vation officers and other provincial staff, not to men- tion the many volunteers who are supporting those efforts. It is a region with thousands of years of history and it is where the name of our province comes from: Manito Ahbee, therefore Manitoba. So I just want to acknowledge the significance on that front as well. I do have a question on health care, but wanted to begin with those comments. Hon.

Heather Stefanson (Premier): I–again, I just want to acknowl edge the consul general from Ukraine, who's here with us today, and Joanne Lewandowski [phonetic] from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and just all of those volunteers that made yesterday happen, and welcome those people from Ukraine to our province.

I also want to acknowl edge the Leader of the Opposition mentioning that we had the opportunity, with some of my colleagues, to tour the Whiteshell area where we did, in fact, see the sacred site located that–for the Manito Ahbee, Madam Speaker, in the Whiteshell region, and we were able to kind of tour around that and get some photos and it was indeed a honour–it was an honour to be there. Manito Ahbee means where the Creator sits, and we were able to see that in an aerial view today.

Obviously, many other–you know, there's a lot of water out there, Madam Speaker, and we are –our hearts and thoughts go out to those who have been dis- placed from their homes. Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Grace Hospital ER Wait Time for In-Patient Bed Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Madam Speaker, on a given day, there could be as many as 20 patients waiting in a hall way at the Grace Hospital, and over the weekend, Manitobans become all the more familiarly acquaint- ed with this issue.

And fr ankly, it pulls at the heartstrings to hear about patients who are in areas that may not have access to oxygen or may not have access to a call bell. Certainly, we would want better for patients. We need a clear statement from the Premier today. Will she commit to ending hallway medicine in Manitoba? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, we are making record invest ments: $7.2 billion in our health -care system in Manitoba, $110 million of that is dedicated for surgical and diag- nostic backlogs and tackling those challenges that came about as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic.

We will continue to work with all of the stakeholders, including Shared Health, to ensure that we get the health care for Manitobans when they need it. Madam Sp eaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary.

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2305 Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, when we hear of perhaps dozens of patients waiting in a hallway at any given time, we should understand what the con- tributing factors are that leads to that situation. These patients are waiting in the hallway because in the emergency room they're sometimes treating as many as 90 patients. That's 90 patients in an ER that is designed to care for about 31 people.

So, clearly, we have a dire situation; a situation in which nurses and those health- care support staff workers that we're talking about, that were mentioned by my colleague from The Maples, are put into some very difficult positions. They want to care for these folks, but they're simply being overwhelmed by the situation. We need that clear statement from the Premier. Will she commit to ending hallway medicine in Manitoba? Mrs.

Stefanson: First, I want to thank the dedi cated members of our health- care teams who continue to provide excellent service to all Manitobans in our emergency areas, Madam Speaker, especially during these challenging times.

And I want to reassure Manitobans, Madam Speaker, that our emergency departments continue to provide the high-quality health-care services to those in need, and of course, we know that health- system leaders and clinical experts are working diligently, day in and day out, to ensure that we move people through the system–our health-care system–to ensure that our emergency department has the space for those who need the emergency care. We will continue to work with those experts in the field to move through these challenging times.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition, on a new question. * (14:10) Health System Backlogs Bed Availability and Staffing Mr. Wab Kinew (Leader of the Official Opposition): Well, Madam Speaker, the situation is so dire in the emergency room because the emergency room is overwhelmed on a given day–when you hear about the 90 patients showing up, and there's only 31 beds to care for them. And the reason why it backs up further is because the wards –surgical, medicine wards and others–are also full to capacity. The situation that we're currently in was created by this PC gov ernment.

They cut 120 beds from our health-care system. There are 2,400 nursing positions vacant in our health-care system right now. There's a direct connection between the situation at an emer - gency room like the Grace, and the cuts that we've seen over the past years that the PCs have been in power. We need the hallway medicine to stop. Will the Premier commit to ending hallway medi- cine today? Hon. Heather Stefanson (Premier): Well, Madam Speaker, we know that these have been challenging times as a result of a pandemic over the course of the past two years.

Madam Speaker, I know that health-system lead- ers and clinical experts have been working on a num- ber of initiatives that they have shared publicly. Those initiatives include ambulance transport protocols, use of rapid-test screening and triaging patients in those emergency depart ments, includes appro priate inter - region transfers to ensure that people are moving through the system like they–as they need to. And there were other measures as well that those clinical experts, as well as those at Shared Health, are taking.

We want to thank them for the incredible work that they're doing at this time –these very difficult times. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a supplementary question. Mr. Kinew: Madam Speaker, the measures of which the Premier speaks are also further signs of a health - care system in crisis. When you have to send patients hundreds of kilometers away from their homes, that's another sign that the hospitals are full. When you have to rely on loved ones to monitor the status of the people in our health-care system, that's another sign of a crisis un - folding.

And the fact that those measures are already in place and still the emergency room at t he Grace is overwhelmed, well, that's a situation that –what was already a crisis is on the verge of becoming something so much worse. We need a clear indication today. We need a com- mitment from this gov ernment to end hallway medicine. Will the Premier provide that? Mrs. Stefanson: Well, I'll remind the member oppo- site, Madam Speaker, that these challenges didn't come about over night. We, of course, have gone

2306 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 through a world-wide pandemic in the last two years. I can recall, back in the days of the previous NDP gov- ernment, where people were lining the hallways and lining the highways in Manitoba under the previous NDP government, and there wasn't a pandemic as a result of that.

And so what I would say to the member opposite, as I have said to Manitobans, that we will continue to work with our health-system leaders; we will continue to work with the clinical experts as we move people through the health- care system and ensure that they get the health care that they need when they need it. Madam Speaker: The honour able Leader of the Official Opposition, on a final supplementary. Mr. Kinew: You know, Madam Speaker, just like Brian Pallister, this Premier has sought to increase the amount of highway medicine in Manitoba. Where Mr.

Pallister wanted to send teachers to North Dakota for health care, this Premier's now sending surgery candidates to North Dakota. In addition to that, you have seniors being sent from hospitals–not just like Concordia, but also from Stonewall and other places around the province–being sent hundreds of kilometers away from their homes. And what do we get for this highway medicine? Does it alleviate the situation in hospitals here in Winnipeg? No. We have the worst of both worlds.

Not only do we have highway medicine, we also have the return of hallway medicine–people being cared for in emergency-room hallways, in the lounges where staff are supposed to be able to have their coffee breaks. Will the Premier acknowl edge the situation and commit to ending hallway medicine in Manitoba? Mrs. Stefanson: Well, Madam Speaker, I can recall back in the 1999 campaign, the leader of the opposi - tion–or, at that time, the leader of the NDP party, promised to end hallway medicine in six months with $15 million. Madam Speaker, they didn't end hallway medi - cine.

In fact, they created highway medicine back then. And I'll remind the Leader of the Opposition–as he makes further promises that they never kept before, I will remind him that we came through a two- year worldwide pandemic. And, yes, we have challenges right now, but we are looking to those experts within the system to help fix those challenges that we are facing so we can ensure that all Manitobans get the health care that they need, when they need it.

Vital Statistics Manitoba Birth Certificate Wait Times MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, constituents have reached out to me to raise their very real concerns with delays at Vital Statistics. They communicate months-long waits. This is far too long and has a real impact on families who may need to travel or who want to file for the Canada Child Benefit. What is the minister doing to address the concern of those waiting months for a birth certificate from Vital Stats? Hon.

Reg Helwer (Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services): We've put a great deal of work into the Vital Statistics area, Madam Speaker, and wait times have been reduced by some 90 per cent. So now we're in a two-week to two- and-a-half-week turnaround when the correct infor - mation is submitted to Vital Statistics. If there is missing information, they work with the applicants to get that information. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a supplementary question.

MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, new parents are communicating with me months-long waits for docu- ments through Vital Statistics, including birth certifi- cates. Many parents are forced to pay a fee to avoid waiting months just to get their documents, and this should not be the case. Families should not have to pay to get timely access to im portant documents that they need for travel, and for benefits. What is the minister doing to address the concern of those waiting for many months for a birth certifi - cate from Vital Stats? Mr.

Helwer: So, in 2020 the branch issued 48,171 certificates, compared to 71,960 in 2021: an increase of 23,789 certificates issued, Madam Speaker. They are doing the work, and approximately 70 per cent of all birth events that occurred in 2021 have been issued. We have some issues with people that don't fill out the form completely, and we're work- ing with them to get the correct information so we can issue the birth certificates. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Union Station, on a final supplementary. MLA Asagwara: Madam Speaker, the minister fails to identify in this House and be trans parent that,

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2307 actually, one of the biggest sources of delay here is the months-long delay in registering birth certificates and deaths. Months are passing before Vital Stats are even registering these events in their system. Families are waiting far too long, and some are being forced to pay extra fees. That should not be the case. Basic identification should be available on a timely basis to Manitoba families.

What is the minister doing to address the concerns of those many, many Manitoba families who are wait- ing months for basic identification documents from Vital Statistics? Mr. Helwer: So, Vital Statistics collaborated with the Manitoba Government Inquiry to answer inbound telephone calls, and this 'ensurens' that client calls are answered in a timelier manner and they're not dropped. We are working with the individuals who have some issues with their applications, and we'll w ork with them to get those certificates issued. Drug-Related Death Bereavement Day Request for Support for Bill 234 Mrs.

Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): Madam Speaker, 1,200 Manitobans have lost their lives to drug overdoses or a lack of services here in Manitoba in the last four years alone. More action needs to be taken to reduce the stigma surrounding drug addiction. This is why I've introduced Bill 234, which would make the Sunday before Mother's Day a day to reflect on the impacts of drug use and to grieve those who have lost their lives. The PCs have said they have supported this bill, but haven't sent it to committee, and now we hear that they're doing consul tation around whether that's the right date.

I can assure member's opposite that I've talked to hundreds, if not thousands of Manitobans. My father died as well. He's a father–and I can assure members opposite that the Sunday before– Will the minister call bill three–234 to committee and ensure that it receives royal assent by June 1st? * (14:20) Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I think that all members in this House have been touched in some way from ad - diction. My father, as well, died from his addiction, so I certainly have a heart, as all members do, for this issue.

The government has already indicated we sup- port a bereavement day. Madam Speaker, when it comes to scheduling of bills, whether it's committee or in this House, there are many challenges that House leaders have. One of the challenges is when a bill takes six days to get passed, because it not only passes–or, challenges that bill, but it challenges all bills behind it. There was a filibuster last week. We look forward to seeing bills and other matters of the House get back onto track, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a supplementary question. Mrs.

Smith: We have over 40 people in our gallery today that have lost loved ones, that are trying to keep their loved ones alive. I want to apologize to you for having to come back into this House again, that this government has misled you in believing that they were going to pass this bill. They do have the capacity and the power to get royal assent for June 1st, so don't let them mislead you again. Will the minister–or whoever's going to stand up– the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) maybe –support Bill 234, send it to committee and have it receive royal assent by June 1st and not play politics with this?

This is about families. This is about making sure that they have a day to grieve and that we as leaders here in Manitoba set the example and show our– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Mr. Goertzen: Madam Speaker, absolutely, members of this House should set the example and not play politics with this issue, because all members have been impacted. The government has already indicated that it does support a bereavement day, Madam Speaker. There are scheduling matters that happen before this House. When a bill gets filibustered for seven days, it does push back a number of things in the Assembly.

We've indicated that we will support a bereave- ment day. This House sits, I think, until November, Madam Speaker. There's many things that are going to happen between now and November. This has al - ready been committed to. The member opposite, when she was filibustering a bill, said that we should take time to consider bills and not rush them. Now she wants to have the opposite. Madam Speaker, we support the bereavement day, and it'll pass.

2308 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Point Douglas, on a final supplementary. Mrs. Smith: We know that this gov ernment has 'til November, but they can pass this bill today. They can send it to committee today. They can get royal assent by June 1st. What is the holdup? These families are waiting for this government to support them in their grief. It's not costing them money. It's making them actually see and reduce the stigma that surrounds drug use in this province. People aren't talking about it. Manitobans aren't educated.

People are using drugs in isolation. This is one way that you can reduce that stigma. You can help support these families, and you have the power to do it today. Will you do it today? Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): I'm not going to participate in making this into a partisan issue, as the member opposite is doing. We had a heartfelt con versation last week where the member indicated to me that her own House leader had never brought it up in discussion about bringing it to committee. She as ked me to help her make it im - portant for her own caucus to bring this forward.

Our government is committed and–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Guillemard: –[inaudible] indicated support. What you tell the people who come here today, that is not our responsi bility. We support the bill. We are committed to sitting in commit tees. And I invite the member to–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Guillemard: –to let go of the partisanship– [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Mrs. Guillemard: –because this is about grieving families–grieving families–and there are many. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Delivery Drivers Access to Washroom Facilities Request for Support for Bill 238 Mr.

Mintu Sandhu (The Maples): The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us how im portant access to washrooms is for truckers and delivery drivers. We heard many stories of drivers being denied access to the washroom at the places they were delivering to or picking up from. This is wrong. I have intro duced Bill 238, which would make sure commercial spaces can't unreasonably deny drivers that need to use the washroom. Will the gov ernment commit to supporting Bill 238? Hon. Doyle Piwniuk (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the member for the question.

When it comes to truck drivers, we've been working with the Manitoba Trucking Association for many–for a number of –since I became minister and talking about–discussions about having accessibilities to washrooms for truck drivers. And we're working with the –we would have to work with the private sector on–when we're working on this situation here. So, we'll–stay tuned and we'll keep on talking. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Maples, on a supplementary question. Mr. Sandhu: Truckers and delivery drivers are often on the road for hours at a time.

It is important to ensure they are not denied access to the washroom when they need it. This happened too often, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bill 238 ensures that com - mercial spaces can't unreasonably deny drivers from using their washroom. Will the gov ernment commit to supporting Bill 238 today? Mr. Piwniuk: I want to thank the member for the question, Madam Speaker.

When it comes to the Manitoba Trucking Association, the truckers of our province, we know how vital it is to make sure that the flow of goods and services to–both from within the province and inter - provincial, Madam Speaker, and we will continue working wit h the industry to make sure that bath- rooms, when it comes to truck drivers, are available when they need them. And thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for The Maples, on a final supplementary. Mr. Sandhu: Manitoba is home to many truckers and delivery drivers. These industries contribute signi fi- cant amounts to our economy.

As the economy changes, we need to update our labour laws to ensure drivers are respected and they have access to

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2309 washrooms when they need it. Bill 238 ensures that they will have access. Will the minister commit to supporting Bill 238 today? Mr. Piwniuk: Madam Speaker, I just want to know– let the member know that, when it comes to the trucking industry, we are going to be talking with them all the time, when it comes to working with the private sector and making sure that there's acces si- bility to washrooms. And we have to work with the private sector when it comes to these situations, Madam Speaker.

And we'll work with the Manitoba Trucking Associ ation and do the best we can to make sure that these truckers have accessibility to washrooms. Powerview-Pine Falls ER Timeline for Reopening Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Without warning or consultation, the emergency room in Powerview - Pine Falls has closed because of a nursing shortage right before the long weekend. It's the second busiest hospital in Eastman region after Selkirk, Madam Speaker. It's unacceptable for 10,000- plus First Nation citizens who need access to health care.

We know that thousands of First Nation citizens from com munities like my home com munity of Sagkeeng First Nation, Hollow Water First Nation, Black River and others need the same access to health care as others. Will the minister tell Manitobans when the Powerview-Pine Falls ER will reopen? Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): I thank the member for St. Johns for bringing this matter to the Chamber. I had the oppor tunity to talk with our federal counterparts, in terms of services for First Nations communities and remote and northern com munities.

What I was told is that the federal gov ernment has actually closed all the nursing stations and they're only open for emergency situations. So, we continue to work with our federal counter- parts. My de partment is in –actively discussing the needs of northern communities and First Nation com- munities, and will continue to work on behalf of all Manitobans to ensure they receive the health services they need. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a supplementary question. Ms. Fontaine: I think the minister's confused.

We're talking about Powerview/Pine Falls, which is a Manitoba responsi bility–her respon sibility, to be exact. * (14:30) Residents of the town of Powerview and Pine Falls, towns like St. George, all deserve to know when their ER will open. There was no date given by the Interlake regional health authority when services will be restored. Over 10,000 Manitobans have been left in the dark. We have already heard stories from families in the Eastman waiting hours in ambulances trying to find an ER that is open. Now another option for health care has been closed.

Will the minister tell us when the Powerview - Pine Falls ER will reopen? Ms. Gordon: Manitobans are sti ll waiting for the NDP party to tell them why they closed 18 emergency departments during their time in office; they still have no response, Madam Speaker. I'd like to table for the House today a report, an executive

summary of the 2009 Canadian Nurse s Association report titled: Tested Solutions for Eliminating Canada's Registered Nurse Shortage. Madam Speaker, 13 years ago the NDP were warned by the Canadian Nurses Association of a projected deficit of 60,000 registered nursed nationwide by 2022. What did they do to address the situation, Madam Speaker? Nothing. What is our gov ernment doing? A lot. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Johns, on a final supplementary. Ms. Fontaine: That is an absolutely shameful response from this Minister of Health. This happened this weekend.

Powerview -Pine Falls ER was closed this weekend, and she's talking about something from 2009. She needs to focus on today and–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –how she's going to fix the mess that she's made, that the Premier's (Mrs. Stefanson) made, that the former Health minister has made. They've made a mess of health care in Manitoba. When are Manitobans going to be able to see – [interjection]

2310 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Fontaine: –the Powervie w and Pine Falls ER reopen? Ms. Gordon: I recog nize that the member for St. Johns needs to steer Manitoba's attention away from the mess they made of the health system. What did the former NDP gov ernment do when they were told it–[interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: –was time to steer the ship away from the staffing crisis in the early 2000s? Nothing, Madam Speaker. What they did do was they closed 18 emergency departments.

Southern Health- Santé Sud: Emerson, 2002; Pembina -Manitou, 2004; MacGregor, 2004; St. Claude, 2005; Gladstone, 2008; Vita, 2012. Prairie Mountain Health: Eric kson, 2003; Rossburn, 2003; Wawanesa– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired. Medical Exams for Ukrainian Refugees Employment Requirements Mr. Dougald Lamont (St. Boniface): I know that every member of this House is glad to welcome Ukrainian refugees arriving in Winnipeg and that more are on the way.

We need to be sure that everyone arriving is seen by a doctor for a medical exam both–which is critical for personal safety; as well, a clean bill of health is required within a couple of months for people to be able to work in all industries, including agri culture and health. We have labour shortages; we have qualified people coming from Ukraine, Af ghanistan and else - where around the world. Can the Premier (Mrs. Stefanson) assure that these refugees will be able to get a medical in time, especially when so many Manitobans are struggling to find a doctor, who are waiting for appointments them- selves? Hon.

Jon Reyes (Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration): Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Premier for her leadership and dedication in com municating with the Prime Minister earlier this month, resulting in the first federally arranged charter flights of approximately 300- plus displaced Ukrainians landing in Winnipeg yesterday.

Madam Speaker, now they are here, our gov ern- ment will continue working with our partners, includ- ing the federal gov ernment, the Ukrainian Canadia n Congress Manitoba Provincial Council, our new - comer settlement organi zations and our prov incial task force and welcome centre to settle them in our province safely. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for St. Boniface, on a supplementary question. Mr. Lamont: Health care is, of course, a prov incial responsibility, and there are several issues here.

People arriving from other countries may require a variety of treatments, vaccina tions, antibiotics for infections and i nfectious diseases, prenatal care for people who are pregnant–the list goes on. These needs are essential from the view of refugees' health, as well as public health and their ability to make a living in Manitoba. There are areas of work where people who are qualified–health care, agriculture–where we–but they have to have a medical to be able to work there.

Can the Premier assure us that Ukrainian and all refugees will be able to get the medical evaluation they need on time to be healthy and ready for work in Manitoba? Mr. Reyes: Madam Speaker, I truly want to thank the Ukraine refugee task force, all the volunteers. I went to the reception centre last week.

But to see the action yesterday of all the volunteers, the reception centre where we were provi ding all the supports –all the questions, in both languages –in English and in Ukrainian–about getting health care, about getting their education, about child care, about em ployment services–everything is there, Madam Speaker. And you know why? Because we were ready. And I want to thank the Premier for her leadership in negotiating that with the Prime Minister, because we were the first city to get Ukrainian refugees to our province, the home of hope, here in Manitoba. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The honourable member for River Heights, on a final supplementary. Mental Health Services Need for Funding Increase Hon. Jon Gerrard (River Heights): Madam Speaker, Manitobans like Raven Deering in Brandon

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2311 now wait eight months to see a psychiatrist, even with an urgent referral. For years, Manitoba has underspent on mental health. Even this year, it will only reach 5.6 per cent of the provincial health-care budget when it needs to be up around 12 per cent. Psychological therapies , including family ther - apy, are still not covered under medicare in spite of Manitoba Liberals calling for this for the last seven years.

When will the minister act to improve provincial mental health funding so that Manitobans like Raven Deering and new arrivals from Ukraine or Afghanistan will not have to wait eight months to see a psychiatrist when it's needed urgently? Hon. Sarah Guillemard (Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness): I appreciate the member opposite asking these questi ons, and he's right, in that the mental health system has been under- funded for many years–decades, in fact.

And our gov- ernment is changing that trajectory by investing more than $58.1 million into the mental health system since 2019, and an additional 17.1 this year alone as part of our five-year road map. Madam Speaker, there is a shortage of psychia - trists and psychologists nationwide, all through North America, and we are looking at creative ways to expand those services. It's not a question of whether or not we can afford to hire; it's a question of whether we can hire–or, find the people to hire. So we are working diligently– Madam Speaker: The member's time has expired.

Housing for Unsheltered Veterans Homes for Heroes Initiative Mr. Len Isleifson (Brandon East): As you're aware, and everybody in this House is aware, our government is committed to ensuring the safety of vul nerable Manitobans, including the homeless population. I'd like to ask the Minister of Families if she could explain what is being done to help support some of the challenges facing many of our military families and veterans across our province. Hon. Rochelle Squires (Minister of Families): I'd like to thank my colleague for that wonderful question.

And, of course, the Manitoba government recog- nizes that securing housing is a very complex issue that requires collaboration. Our government is pleased to partner with Homes for Heroes towards the con- struction of the veterans' village with a funding com - mitment of a–up to $500,000. Homes for Heroes works to suc cessfully transi- tion unsheltered veterans back into civilian life through a support system that includes resources and services and training to help them live independently.

This will honour the men and women who have served us and ensure that they have the resources and the services they need to achieve the goal of living inde - pendently as they transition back into civilian life. Madam Speaker, I'd like to thank David Howard from Homes for Heroes Foundation for all the work and his commitment to this project. Consolidation of Laboratory Services Changes to Access Services Mr. Nello Altomare (Transcona): Madam Speaker, Winnipeggers are having a miserable time getting timely access to the lab tests that they need.

The Pallister government closed half of the labs in the city and plan for Dynacare to move locations that are difficult for those with mobility and trans portation challenges to access. My question for the minister: Has this PC govern- ment done any work to consider the impact of this decision on so many people, and will they reconsider allowing the consolidation of labs across the city? * (14:40) Hon. Audrey Gordon (Minister of Health): Once again, the member opposite is continuing the tone that has been set by the Leader of the Op position, by the member for St. Johns (Ms.

Fontaine), by the member for Union Station (MLA Asagwara), in terms of deflecting responsi bility to this side of the House. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order. Ms. Gordon: It was their contract, Madam Speaker. They implemented it. They need to take responsibility and be accountable to Manitobans. Madam Speaker: The honourable member for Transcona, on a supplementary question. Mr. Altomare: This weekend, many labs were closed after Saturday morning for the whole long weekend. Manitobans are going to emergency rooms to access basic diagnostic testing.

That's just not the right ap - proach, especially given how overloaded ERs are right now.

2312 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Diagnostic services need to be acces sible and available and not just there to 'maxipize' a company's profits. What is the minister doing to ensure Manitobans get timely access to diagnostic testing in the city? Ms. Gordon: We are investing in our provincial lab, the Cadham lab. We're ensuring that Manitobans have access, close to home and in many different facilities, to the tests–diagnostic lab tests that they need. What we are doing, Madam Speaker, is we're fixing what they broke. Madam Spe aker: The honourable member for Transcona, on a final supplementary.

Mr. Altomare: The consolidation of Dynacare labs means decreased access and longer line- ups. This company has been allowed to monopolize public ser- vices without proper accountability to the public. This is a real disservice to many, especially seniors and those with mobility or health challenges. This change adds more stress to clients and could even deter them from accessing the services that they need. Will the minister reconsider this ill -considered consolidation and will she ensure Manitobans have timely access to the tests they need? Ms.

Gordon: We continue as a government to consult with Manitobans and, yes, our seniors that are –have mobility issues, as the member mentioned, a nd need to gain access close to home to the lab tests and diagnostics that they need. I'm having conver sations with the Minister for Seniors and Long-Term Care to ensure seniors have access to care efficiently and, again, close to home. We are fixing what the members opposite broke. It was their contract. They did not consider the conse- quences of their actions. We are fixing, Madam Speaker, what they–they–broke, not us. [interjection] Madam Speaker: Order.

Acts of Racist Violence Strategy to Combat Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): On May 14th, 10 Black people were murdered among–and others injured by a white supremist in Buffalo, New York. This is not the first time that a terrorist has targeted people based on their race. In Canada, we're not immune to acts of 'racint' violent either. Let me be clear that what happened in Buffalo was a premeditated act of racist violence. And we've seen this in other parts of Canada, like the Quebec mosque shooting and the hit and run in Ontario, among others.

Act ion needs to be taken to prevent these acts of racist violence and protect people in our com munities, especially Black Canadians, Indigenous people, people of colour and all other people who might face prejudice or racism. Will the minister commit to taking action, today? Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I'd like to thank my friend for raising this issue. It's an issue, I think, that all of us feel very deeply about.

When we hear about the reports that have hap- pened in the United States or when we hear them in Canada, Madam Speaker, we're all not only saddened, but all of us want to redouble our efforts to try to ensure that, where we can, we prevent these horrible acts of violence.

I know that in the De partment of Justice, myself and previous ministers of Justice have instituted a number of different programs and policies, ensured that there are people within the department to look at ways to reduce systemic racism, to look at ways to help where there are a –racism against Indigenous people, Madam Speaker, and to look for ways where we can do better. And that is a continuous effort that we commit to continually do, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker: The time for oral questions has expired.

PETITIONS Drug Overdose Reporting MLA Uzoma Asagwara (Union Station): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: The background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Across the pr ovince, many Manitobans continue to struggle with addictions, and the pan- demic has led to even more death and worsened the ongoing public health crisis of opioid overdoses.

(2) Three hundred and seventy -two Manitobans died from an overdose in 2020; and that's over one a day, and 87 per cent higher than in 2019.

(3) Manitoba is expected to exceed over 400 overdose deaths in 2021, but the data is not

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2313 publicly available since the last public reporting of opioid deaths was published in 2019.

(4) The data for drug overdose deaths from 2020 and 2021 was compiled through media inquiries, and this needs to change.

(5) Access to timely data on the harms of drugs helps to inform both government and stakeholders on where to take action and target resources needed in various communities.

(6) Manitoba is the only province not provi ding regular, timely data to the federal gov ernment opioid information portal.

(7) Manitobans deserve a gov ernment that takes the growing drug crisis seriously and will report the data publicly in a timely matter to target actions and allow for accountability. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to enact Bill 217, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting), to require the Province to publish the number of drug overdose deaths, as well as the type of drug, on a gov ernment website in a timely fashion.

This has been signed by Denny Lathlin, Robert Chartrand, Gabriel Ibrerra [phonetic], Susan Spring, Lacey Roulette, Lyndsay Mettison and many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: In accordance with our rule 132(6), when petitions are read they are deemed to be received by the House. Foot-Care Services Mr. Diljeet Brar (Burrows): I wish to p resent the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba: The background of this petition is as follows: The population of those aged 55- plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

A lar ge percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment. A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes. The northern regional health authority previously provided essenti al medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired. The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in T hompson and sur - rounding areas. There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres. The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations. The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment to the city of Thompson effective April 1st, 2022. This has been signed by many Manitobans. * (14:50) Mr.

Nello Altomare (Transcona): Madam Speaker, I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, background of this petition is as follows:

(1) Population of those aged 55-plus has grown to approximately 2,500 in the city of Thompson.

(2) A large percentage of people in this age group require necessary medical foot care and treatment.

(3) A large percentage of those who are elderly and/or diabetic are also living on low incomes.

(4) The northern regional health author ity previously provided essential medical foot -care services to seniors and those living with diabetes until 2019, then subsequently cut the program after the last two nurses filling those positions retired.

(5) The number of seniors and those with diabetes has only continued to grow in Thompson and sur - rounding areas.

(6) There is no adequate medical care available in the city and region,

whereas the city of Winnipeg has 14 medical foot-care centres.

2314 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022

(7) The implications of inadequate or lack of podiatric care can lead to amputations.

(8) The city of Thompson also serves as a regional health-care service provider, and the need for foot care extends beyond just those served in the capital city of the province. We therefore petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to provide the services of two nurses to restore essential medical foot-care treatment in –to the city of Thompson effective April 1, 2022. This petition is signed by many Manitobans. Post-Secondary Funding Model Mr. Jamie Moses (St. Vital): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, these are the reasons for this petition.

(1) The prov incial government is imple menting so-called performance-based funding and intends to charge students different tuition depending on their course of study.

(2) There is no compelling evidence that such fine–funding models lead to better out comes. Performance-based funding models are likely to further marginalize underrepresented groups and their access to post-secondary education systems.

(3) Students and faculty are strongly opposed to the provincial government's approach to funding edu- cation. Charging different rates of tuition will have negative and potentially unintended consequences on students and their courses of study.

(4) Manitoba students should be encouraged rather than discouraged to take courses that they will– that will inform their pro fessional careers and enrich society.

(5) Many degrees are at risk of being defunded under the provincial government's funding approach, even though these programs are–at risk provide strong reading, writing and communication skills to students that are in creasingly co ncert with –concerned valu - able–considered valuable by employers.

(6) Provincial government has reduced operating funding to uni versities and colleges by millions of dollars while quickly increasing tuition and student fees. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the provincial government to abandon its plan to implement a so -called performance- based funding model for post-secondary institutions as well as its plan to charge students more depending on their course of study. This petition has been signed by Robert Leland, Sean Buchanan, Curt Hull and many more Manitobans. Drug Overdose Reporting Mrs.

Bernadette Smith (Point Douglas): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background of this petition is as follows: Across the province many Manitobans continue to struggle with addictions, and the pandemic has led to even more deaths and worsened the ongoing public health crisis of opioid overdoses.

(2) Three h undred and seventy -two Manitobans died from an overdose in 2020. That's over one a day and 80 per cent higher than in 2019.

(3) Manitoba is expected to exceed over 400 overdose deaths in 2021, but the data is not publicly available since the last public reporting of opioid deaths was published in 2019.

(4) The data for drug overdose deaths from 2020 to 2021 was compiled through media inquiries, and this needs to change.

(5) Access to timely data on the harms of drugs helps to inform both government and stakeholders on where to take action and target resources needed in various communities.

(6) Manitoba is the only province not provi ding regular, timely data to the federal gov ernment opioid information portal.

(7) Manitobans deserve a gov ernment that takes the growing drug crisis seriously and will report the data publicly in a timely manner to target actions and allow for accountability. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to enact Bill 217, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Overdose Death Reporting), to require the Province to publish a number of drug overdose –publish the

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2315 number of drug overdose deaths, as well as the type of drug, on a government website in a timely fashion. This has been signed by Caroline Bruyere, Beverley Courchene, Mervin Garrick and many other Manitobans. Speed Reduction on PR 392 MLA Tom Lindsey (Flin Flon): I wish to present the following petition to the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba. The background for this petition is as follows:

(1) On October 26th, 2020, a 51- year-old driver was killed when a cement truck overturned on prov - incial road PR 392, just outside of the town of Snow Lake, Manitoba.

(2) The HudBay company will be trucking gold ore in 40-ton B-trains from its Lalor deposit into the town of Snow Lake for processing, starting next year.

(3) This large truck traffic will be competing with local vehicle traffic between the turnoff to the Lalor mine on PR 395 and the town of Snow Lake on PR 392.

(4) Similar vehicular traffic already competes with these 40 -ton trucks between the turnoff to the Lalor–to Lalor at PR 395 and the turnoff to Stall Lake mill at PR 393.

(5) Residents of Snow Lake have suggested that the speed limit on PR 392 between Snow Lake and the intersection of prov incial road, PR, 393 be lowered from 90 kilometres an hour to 70 kilometres an hour.

(6) Residents also propose that on PR 392, from the Berry Bay -Taylor Bay entrance to the Wekusko Falls north entrance, speeds be reduced to 70 kilometres an hour; Wekusko Falls park north en- trance to the helitac base entrance, speeds be reduced to 50 kilometres per hour; and from the helitac base entrance to the entrance of the fish dump, speeds be reduced to 70 kilometres per hour.

(7) Reducing speed limits on dangerous stretches of highways is a simple and effective measure to protect the safety of all drivers. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the Minister of Infrastructure to adopt the proposed speed reductions on Provincial Road 392 set forth above. And this petition has been signed by Greg Foord, Martin Rolles, Doug Johnson and many other Manitobans. Catalytic Converter Engraving Credit Mr. Jim Maloway (Elmwood): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The background to the–this petition is as follows:

(1) Spike in catalytic converter thefts occurring across North America has hit Winnipeg. The price of precious metals in catalyti c converters like rhodium, palladium and platinum are worth thousands of dollars an ounce. Scrap metal recyclers have catalytic converters priced to the vehicle, with some catalytic converters worth $800.

(2) Organized groups of criminals are climbing under vehicles and cutting catalytic converters, selling them to scrap metal recyclers for cash without any record of these transactions. * (15:00)

(3) Catalytic converter thefts cost consumers about $2,000 for each replacement. Manitoba Public Insurance charges a betterment fee for new replace- ments, so insurance doesn't cover the full cost.

(4) Catalytic converters do not have any part number or vehicle identification number, VIN number, and the inability to tie a catalytic converter to a specific vehicle is a major enforcement issue.

(5) Engraving of a vehicle's VIN on its catalytic converter would be a major deterrent to theft by tying the vehicle to the part and making enforcement possible. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To urge the prov incial gov ernment to bring in consumer protec tion legis lation, directing Manitoba Public Insurance to initiate credits to Manitobans for engraving vehicle identification numbers on their catalytic converters. And this petition is signed by many, many Manitobans.

Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame): Madame la Présidente, je désire présenter la pétition suivante à l'Assemblée législative. Le contexte de cette pétition est le suivant :

2316 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022

(1) La Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library, G-B-R-G, a été avisée par la division scolaire vallée de la rivière Rouge, DSVRR, de libérer les locaux actuellement situés dans l'auditorium de l'École Héritage school, ÉHS, d'ici le 31 mars 2023.

(2) L'auditorium a été construit dans les années 1960 par le célèbre architecte manitobain Étienne Gaboury et B -R-G y est installé depuis 48 ans.

(3) Une photo de l'auditorium intitulée « La Bibliothèque régionale » est publiée dans un docu- ment de 2008 intitulé « Bâtiments patrimoniaux des MR De -Salaberry et Saint -Pierre-Jolys ». Il est indiqué qu'il s'agit d'un bâtiment moderne important qui pourrait atteindre le statut de site patrimonial.

(4) B -R-G et DSVRR ont prospéré grâce à un protocole d'entente mutuellement bénéfique pendant 54 ans.

(5) Leur collection commune compte plus de 50 000 livres et possède la quatrième plus grande collection de littérature de langue française dans les régions rurales du Manitoba.

(6) Les élèves qui sont transportés par autobus des municipalités voisines qui n'ont pas de bibliothèque publique, comme Niverville, Grunthal et Kleefeld, ont accès gratuitement à la bibliothèque publique et à sa quatrième plus grande collection de livres en français dans les régions rurales du Manitoba pendant l'année scolaire. Nous présentons à l'Assemblée législative du Manitoba la pétition suivante :

(1) De demander au ministre du Travail, de la Protection du consommateur et des Services gouvernementaux d'envisager de concéder l'auditorium à la B-R-G d'ici le 1er mars 2023.

(2) Demander au ministre de l'Éducation de reconnaître la valeur que la B -R-G apporte à la population d'étudiants de l'ÉHS ainsi qu'aux communautés du village de Saint-Pierre-Jolys et de la MR de De Salaberry.

(3) Demander au ministre de l'Éducation et au ministre des affaires francophones de reconnaître qu'un protocole d'entente entre la RRVSD et G -R-L est mutuellement bénéfique, financièrement et culturellement.

(4) Demander au ministre du Sport, de la Culture et du Patrimoine de reconnaître le potentiel patrimonial de cet important bâtiment et son statut au sein de la communauté.

(5) Demander au ministre du Sport, de la Culture et du Patrimoine d'empêcher toute rénovation de l'auditorium qui détruirait et dévaloriserait l'intégrité architecturale du bâtiment. Cette pétition est signée par Isabelle Grégoire, Todd Grégoire et Joëlle Catellier. Translation Madam Speaker, I'd like to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. The context for this petition is as follows:

(1) The Bibliothèque Régionale Jolys Regional Library, JRL, was notified by the Red River Valley School Division, RRVSD, to vacate premises currently located in the auditorium of the École Héritage school, ÉHS, by March 31, 2023.

(2) The auditorium was built in the 1960s by famous Manitoban architect Étienne Gaboury, and it has been home to the JRL for 48 years.

(3) A photo of the auditorium captioned "The regional library" was published in a 2008 document titled "Heritage buildings of De Salaberry and St. Pierre Jolys". It is marked as an important modern building that could attain the status of Heritage Site.

(4) The JRL and the RRVSD have flourished by means of a mutually beneficial memorandum of under - standing for 54 years.

(5) Their shared collection boasts over 50,000 books and has the fourth largest collection of French - language literature in rural Manitoba.

(6) Students that are bused in from neighbouring municipalities that do not have a public library, such as Niverville, Grunthal and Kleefeld, are provided with free access to the public library and its fourth largest collection of French -language literature in rural Manitoba during the school year. We petition the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To request the Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Government Services to consider granting the auditorium to the JRL by March 1, 2023.

(2) To request the Minister of Education to recognize the value the JRL provides to the student population of ÉHS, as well as the communities of Village de St. Pierre Jolys and RM of De Salaberry.

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2317

(3) To request the Minister of Education and the Minister of Francophone Affairs to recognize that a memorandum of understanding between RRVSD and JRL is mutually, financially and culturally beneficial.

(4) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to recognize the heritage potential of this important building and its status in the community.

(5) To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to prevent any renovations to the auditorium that would destroy and devalue the architectural integrity of the building. This petition was signed by Isabelle Grégoire, Todd Grégoire and Joëlle Catellier. Ms. Lisa Naylor (Wolseley): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.

To the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba, the background of this petition is as follows: The Bibliothéque Régionale Jolys Regional Library has been served notice by the Red River Valley School Division to vacate the premises currently situated in the auditorium of École Héritage school by March 31st, 2023. The auditorium was originally built in the 1960s by renowned Manitoban architect Brienne [phonetic] Gaboury, and it has been home to JRL for 48 years. A photo of the auditorium captioned the regional library is published in a 2008 document titled heritage buildings in RM De Salaberry and St. Pierre Jolys.

It is marked as an important modern building that could attain the status of a heritage site. JRL and RRVSD have flourished from a mutually beneficial memorandum of under standing for 54 years. Their shared collection boasts over 50,000 books and has the fourth largest collection of French- language literature in rural Manitoba.

Students that are bused in from the neighbouring municipalities that do not have a public library, such as Ninnerville [phonetic], Grunthal and Kleefeld, are provided with free access to the public library and its fourth largest collection of French books in rural Manitoba during the school year. We petition the Legis lative Assembly of Manitoba as follows: To request the Minister of Labour, Consumer Protection and Gov ernment Services to consider granting the auditorium to the JRL by March 1st, 2023.

To request the Minister of Education to recognize the value that JRL provides to the student popula tion of ÉHS, as well as the com munities of Village de St. Pierre Jolys and the RM De Salaberry. To request the Minister of Education and the Minister of Francophone Affairs to recognize that an MOU between the RRVSD and JRL is mutually, financially and culturally beneficial. To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to recognize the heritage potential of this im- portant building and its status in the community.

To request the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage to prevent any renovations to the auditorium that would destroy and devalue the architectural integrity of the building. This has been signed by many Manitobans. Thank you, Madam Speaker. South Perimeter Highway Noise Barrier Mr. Matt Wiebe (Concordia): I wish to present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly. And the background to this petition is as follows:

(1) Residents of the River Park South community in Winnipeg are disturbed by the increasing noise levels caused by traffic on the South Perimeter Highway.

(2) The South Perimeter Highway functions as a transport route for semi -trucks travelling across Canada, making this stretch of the Peri meter especially loud.

(3) According to the South Perimeter Noise Study conducted in 2019, the traffic levels are expected to increase significantly over the next 20 years and backyard noise levels have already surpassed 65 decibels.

(4) Seniuk Road, which runs alongside the South Perimeter, contributes additional truck traffic causing increased noise and air pollution.

(5) Residents face a decade of construction on the South Perimeter, making this an appropriate time to add noise mitigation for the South Perimeter to these projects.

(6) The current barriers between the South Perimeter Highway and the homes of the River Park

2318 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 South residents are a berm and a wooden fence, neither of which are effective at reducing traffic noise. We petition the Legisla tive Assembly of Manitoba as follows:

(1) To urge the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to consult with noise specialists and other experts to help determine the most effective way to reduce traffic noise and to commit to meaningful action to address resident concern; and

(2) To urge the Minister of Transportation to help address this issue with a noise barrier wall along residential portions of the South Perimeter from St. Anne's Road to St. Mary's Road and for River Park South residents. And this petition, Madam Speaker, has been signed by many Manitobans. Madam Speaker: Grievances? ORDERS OF THE DAY (Continued) GOVERNMENT BUSINESS House Business Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Government House Leader): On House business, pursuant to rule 33(7), I am announcing that the private member's resolution to be considered on the next Tuesday of private members' business will be the one put forward by the honourable member for Radisson (Mr. Teitsma). The title of the reso lution is Improving Protec tions for Vulnerable Women and Children. * (15:10) Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the private member's reso lution to be considered on the next Tuesday of private members' business will be one put forward by the honourable member for Radisson.

The title of the resolution is Improving Protections for Vulnerable Women and Children. * * * Mr. Goertzen: For business this afternoon, could you please call second reading of Bill 37 and then con- currence and third reading of Bills 35 and 31. Madam Speaker: It has been announced that the House will consider this afternoon second reading of Bill 37 and concurrence and third reading of Bills 35 and 31.

SECOND READINGS Bill 37–The International Child Support and Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Act Madam Speaker: I will therefore call second reading of Bill 37, The Inter national Child Support and Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Act. Hon. Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of A griculture (Mr. Johnson) that Bill 37, The International Child Support and Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House.

Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been advised of the bill, and I table the message. Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honour - able Minister of Justice, seconded by the honour able Minister of Agriculture, that Bill 37, The International Child Support and Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Act, be now read a second time and be referred to a committee of this House. Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been advised of the bill, and the message has been tabled. Mr. Goertzen: Thank you again, Madam Speaker – [interjection]–and my colleagues for that.

Modernizing and improving the justice system in Manitoba continues to be a priority for our gov ern- ment. We believe that this bill is another im portant step forward in our gov ernment's commit ment to modernize family law in Manitoba. Mr.

Andrew Micklefield, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair The bill will improve access to justice by provi - ding Manitoba families with ad ditional avenues for establishing varying and enforcing child and spousal support where one party lives outside Canada by enabling Manitoba to implement the 2007 Hague Convention on the international recovery of child sup- port and other forms of family maintenance. The convention is an inter national multilateral treaty respecting child and spousal support obligations when family members live in different countries.

The subject matter of the convention engages both federal and provincial jurisdiction. Therefore an implement - ing act is required for the convention to apply in Manitoba. Manitoba is the second province to introduce the implementing legis lation, followed by British Columbia, in March of this year, though I understand

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2319 that other jurisdictions are looking now to follow the lead of British Columbia and Manitoba. If implemented in Manitoba, the convention will expand the number of foreign jurisdictions with which Manitoba has child and spousal support reciprocity. Certain countries cannot enter into bilateral recipro - city agree ments with the Provinc e under interjuris - dictional support order laws.

Therefore the convention will provide an avenue for recovery of support for Manitobans with family members in those countries in which they cannot have a direct relationship–a direct contractual relationship with Manitoba. For example, Manitoba families with children who have a parent in another country, such as France, Italy, Brazil, amongst others, will be able to obtain the assistance of the Family Maintenance En forcement Program to collect child support from that parent when the convention is in force in Manitoba. The Philippines has also recently signed this convention.

The bill provides that convention applications will proceed in the same way as applications under The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act, and that the same author ity within Manitoba Justice will be responsible for processing the applications. This en- sures consistency. This will include the ability to refer child support applications to the child support service as an alternative to a court proceeding.

The convention does not change Manitoba law that governs child and spousal support obligations, but it provides an important means for Manitoba families to receive support from family members in convention countries. I look forward to all members of the House sup- porting this bill following the question period and, hopefully, getting it to committee soon. Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Questions Mr. Deputy Speaker: A question period of up to 15 minutes will be held.

Questions may be addressed to the minister by any member in the following sequence: first question by the official opposition critic or designate; subsequent questions asked by critics or designates from other recognized opposition parties; subsequent questions asked by each independ- ent member; remaining questions asked by any oppo- sition members. And no question or answer shall exceed 45 seconds. The floor is open for questions. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): Can the minister provide Manitobans with more information about the importance of this legislation? Hon.

Kelvin Goertzen (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): Yes, I thank my friend for the question. The importance of the legis lation is that, cur - rently, there are certain juris dictions that Manitoba cannot have a direct 'reprocity'–reciprocity agreement with. Some of those countries don't allow their juris - dictions to enter into an agreement with a subnational government; it has to be with a national gov ernment. So this convention would then allow them to be covered. Hon.

Jon Gerrard (River Heights): My question is this: because we have First Nations taking over control of child welfare, are there parti cular issues here with regard to First Nations? Will they be considered just like any other Manitoban? Will they have to go through the federal gov ernment for such maintenance report? How will it work? Mr. Goertzen: While I'm not an expert when it comes to the changes that are happening at the federal level with the Department of Families–some of those could be directed to the Minister responsible for Families–I would say, Mr.

Deputy Speaker, that this bill is not directly related to those happenings in Ottawa. This is specifically about those who might need an order because they have an agree ment from another country. Ms. Fontaine: Could the minister tell us how many out-of-province orders are there presently? Mr. Goertzen: Yes, it's an excellent question from the member for St. Johns. So, current ly, it's my under standing that there would be 107 active files involving foreign recipro- cating jurisdictions. The vast majority of those, 90, would be from the United States.

So, it's not our ex- pectation that this will add significantly to those numbers. But if there's one individual family that can't get their order enforced because they're here from a coun- try that doesn't have an agreement with Manitoba but could be covered under this convention, it's important to them. Mr. Gerrard: Yes, just for clarity's sake, can the minister provide infor mation on precisely what or who is essential author ity? Is it the minister, is it a

2320 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 group in his de partment–who or what is the central authority? Mr. Goertzen: So, it requires the federal government to first sign on to the 2007 Hague Convention, which they've done. And then they can't actually implement it until one of the provinces has passed legis lation to have it imple mented in their juris diction because of our federal system. So British Columbia has done that, Manitoba will be –hopefully be the second one. The federal government then has some work to do in terms of the overall implementation.

Then if somebody comes from a country that is under this parti cular convention, and they have a supporter in their home country, it would be the Department of Justice through the Maintenance Enforcement Program that could do the enforce ment of that order. Ms. Fontaine: Earlier, the minister had said in his comments that, if there's an agreeme nt with a direct reciprocal country that has an agreement, we'd be able to–once this bill passes –be able to get that child support. Can the minister advise, like, how many countries this will–if Bill 37 goes through, how many countries are we now talking about? Mr.

Goertzen: I can get the exact number of countries for the member opposite, but, you know, as an example, Manitoba has agreements with six of the 27 countries that are currently in the European Union. But we are not able to have an agreement with the other ones because, under the EU, it doesn't allow for those agreements to happen at a subnational level; it has to be country -to-country level. I know some of them were grandfathered in, the original six.

But this, then, allows us to have those agreements with the other countries who weren't otherwise covered under the EU because there'll now be national agreement through the Hague Convention with the federal gov - ernment. * (15:20) Mr. Gerrard: I'm presuming that this is agreement in which the conditions would be reciprocal; that is, that if there was a parent in another country who was want- ing child maintenance support from a Manitoban, that this agreement would apply and cover that. What would happen if there are slight differences in the laws regarding child support in Manitoba versus other jurisdictions?

Mr. Goertzen: So, where there are reciprocity agree- ments, I believe that there is an agreement to enforce the orders as described in that parti cular country. But it's done through the Maintenance Enforce ment Program. So, if there's a certain amount of child sup- port that was obligated to be paid, that a court had ordered in a foreign country, that is now under a reciprocity agreement with Manitoba, that could be enforced here. But when the reciprocity agreement s are arranged, some of those variations are worked out at that time. Ms.

Fontaine: Can the minister tell us what the anticipated costs will be for this program? Mr. Goertzen: It's a good question. We don't expect that there'll be sig nificant more in terms of costs because the number of cases are likely to be small. Again, there's 107 active cases as of the last reporting that I received; most are from the United States. We would expect this will add a handful of cases, al - though I was aware of one application a couple of weeks ago that couldn't be fulfilled because –but could've been, had this legislation been in place.

So, shouldn't add additional costs, but I appreciate the member asking the question. Mr. Gerrard: In

section 14 of this bill, it deals with the fact that application can only made through the Central Authority. And is that the Central Author ity for Canada or the Central Authority for Manitoba? Mr. Goertzen: I don't know that I caught all of the member's question. I think he was asking whether or not the authority–the application comes to Manitoba. The application, after this is ratified, it would come to Manitoba. Ms. Fontaine: And could the minister tell us when Bill 37 would come into force? Mr. Goertzen: It's a good question that I don't have, perhaps, a perfectly satisfactory answer.

So, now that British Columbia has put in their legislation, once our legis lation comes into place, it allows the federal gov ernment to enact the federal convention, but it then goes over to their administra - tive side to ensure that they're doing the ratification side. So, it will require ratification of the convention on the federal gov ernment side. I don't have a precise timeline, but I do know, in some discussions with the federal Minister of Justice, Minister Lametti, this seems to be a priority for them, so I'm hopeful that it won't be too long.

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2321 Mr. Gerrard: In

section 20/1, there are com ments there which seem to suggest that this may ha ve an impact on intraprovincial, from one province to another. Does this have an impact on child support for somebody who's got a former spouse, or what have you, in Ontario, or BC or other provinces, or does the current arrangement that we already have apply and will continue to apply from one province to another? Mr. Goertzen: The current arrangement continues to apply. This just brings in new countries where we now would have a reciprocity agreement when it comes to the enforcement of orders. Ms.

Fontaine: The–I just want to kind of revisit the 107 active files again. So, are those files currently being processed and the child maintenance–the child support payments being actually, like, processed and families are actually getting those dollars right now, or they're not, and that's why we need this bill? Mr. Goertzen: Yes, I thank the member for the question. Those 107 cases are with Maintenance Enforcement right now. So, I don't know the status of every one of them. I'm hopeful that they're all getting the money that they are entitled to.

But they're already invested with Maintenance En forcement, so any addi tional cases would be in addition to the 107 that are currently–are there now, or who–that might be added in the future. Mr. Gerrard: Yes, just–my question to the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen), based on the exper ience that there has been with getting money for child support orders under the existing programs. Does the minister anticipate any parti cular problems with this new arrangement with other jurisdictions? Mr. Goertzen: Thank the member for the question.

Not so much in esta blishing the actual agreements because the department has lots of experience in those arrangements. But in terms of getting the payments? Well, sure, I think we all know of cases where individuals are supposed to be making child support payments, as an example, and they do everything they can not to make those payments. Hopefully those are rare and grow exceedingly rare, but we all know that there's some- body who is determined not to make a payment. In jurisdiction, that's difficult. I imagine that those difficulties are made even more difficult when they're somewhere across the globe. Ms.

Fontaine: So, other countries and blocs of coun- tries ratified that–the agreement earlier, including the 'Europenean' union in 2014, the United States in 2017 and the United Kingdom in 2022. Does the minister have an understanding of why Canada has taken so much longer to get this done? Mr. Goertzen: Yes, i t's a fair question and one I actually asked of my officials, as well. So I think it's partially just the uniqueness of our federated system.

And so, once the national govern- ment signs on to a convention like the Hague Convention–and there's others that have already been signed on to–then it falls to the provinces to do their own analysis and, you know, there's differences be - tween Quebec with the civil law system and the other common-law provinces, and that analysis and that interplay with the federal go vernment, it just takes a long time –probably longer, I think, than all of us would like.

But it does seem like, now, that all provinces are landing kind of in a similar place and are looking to move forward –but it's an understandable question, and one I certainly asked, myself. Mr. Gerrard: Yes, I'm just seeking a little bit of clarity on how this will work if there is a family in the Philippines and they seek child support from a man or woman who's in Manitoba, in Manitoba the wages can be garnisheed i n order to pay the person who needs the child support.

Does that apply, then, if the person is in the Philippines and the wages in Manitoba can be gar - nisheed to send the child support to the Philippines? Mr. Goertzen: Yes, I believe that that would be a part of that reciprocity agreement, but it sounds like, you know, the member might be looking for some specific details in terms of –I mean, certainly garnishment is something that Maintenance Enforce ment can do when it comes to wages, and I think they do it on the regular–a regular basis.

But because I'd prefer to give the member pre - cision in this, in case he's transmitting this information to a constituent, as an example, I will seek to provide him that information in another form. * (15:30)

2322 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 Ms. Fontaine: In cases where maintenance is pur - sued, does the minister intend for Manitoba to issue or authenticate documents itself, or is this something that would be issued through the Government of Canada? If that makes sense. Mr. Goertzen: The au thentication of documents is actually, you know, an interesting issue. And so, when it comes to some matters of courts, we've made some changes to allow for documents to come interjuris - dictionally without all of the different authentication that was pre viously required. It can be now done electronically.

Sometimes there are corporations, as an example, that need documents to be authenticated. Some of that's done in Manitoba now. Some of that's done federally. So it is a bit of a hybrid, but my expectation is that I'll have more infor mation for the member in the days ahead. Mr. Deputy Speaker: Time for questions has expired. Debate Mr. Deputy Speaker: The floor is open for debate. Ms. Nahanni Fontaine (St. Johns): I'm pleased to put some very brief remarks on the record today in respect of Bill 37, The Inter national Child Support and Family Maintenance (Hague Convention) Act.

Bill 37 implements the convention on the inter - national recovery of child support and other forms of family maintenance in Manitoba to facilitate the inter- national recovery of child support and other forms of family maintenance. Mr. Dennis Smook, Acting Speaker, in the Chair This bill also applies procedures under the inter - jurisdictional support orders to applications made under the convention. Consequential amendments are made to The Court of Queen's Bench Act and The Family Maintenance Act. So, you know, I will actually thank the minister for bringing forward Bill 37.

I think tha t it is –as we established in the questions long overdue, we know that the convention–the Hague Convention was signed in 2007 and that some countries, like the European Union, only signed it–or, ratified the agree- ment in 2014, the United States in 2017, t he United Kingdom in 2021. And we know that in Canada, Manitoba will become the second jurisdiction to have legislation that will support the 2007 Hague Convention. So, I think that it is an im portant bill. I think it's obviously long overdue.

And certainly on this side of the House, we support any legis lative measures that will enhance and support child support payments to children. At the end of the day, this bill –for–you know, a lot of the complexities of this bill, at the end of the day, the gist of this bill is making sure that children get the money that they are entitled to, that a court has ordered that parent A must pay parent B in the upbringing and support and health and well-being of their children.

And we know that there is a lot of ways in which child maintenance can be enhanced and can be sup- ported to do the job that it's intended to do. I know that I've spoken in this House a couple of times about my own personal experiences trying to get child support for my youngest son. And also, I've raised concerns in the House of Manitobans, pre dominantly women, mothers who have come to me trying to get the child support that they are entitled to. And I know that I don't have to tell the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen), because I'm sure that he's heard it as well.

There are some pretty egregious stories out there of individuals who do not want to pay child support even though the court has ordered them to pay so much a month to the care and raising of their children. You have individuals tha t will go at quite – lengths not to pay those dollars that go to the care of their children, which I can never wrap my head around. And as I said, going through the system –in fact, the beginning system, which I–we had a case confer- ence, was great. It was wonderful. There was no hassles, there was nothing. It's been the last 20 years trying to get the dollars that are owed to my son.

And so I, even though I sit in this House as a legis- lator, I am a mom and like many Manitoba moms have had to deal with, you know, not being able to get the dollars that were supposed to be allocated towards my son for his care and upbringing–which I will put on the record was very, very little dollars that was in a court order for the care and upbringing of my son. And even that was incredibly difficult to get. And so, you know, we know that this bill will bring Manitoba in line with other juris dictions in Canada and around the world.

I know that the minister said that only BC is the only other juris diction, I believe, in Canada that has legis lation pertaining to the 2007 Hague Convention; and then, certainly, other jurisdictions around the world so that parents are

May 24, 2022 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA 2323 better able to navigate these complex juris dictional issues. Again, and I think that that's really important. We understand that even locally here, prov incially, you know, those are very difficult systems to navigate, particularly, you know, if you're, you know, a new mom or you're a mom with, you know, one or two or three children and you're trying to go to school; and whatever it may be. And yet, you're still having to kind of navigate the court system to get dollars to support your children.

And so, hopefully, Bill 37 will help Manitobans that find them selves in that predicament of having a paren t who has moved internationally or to one of these reciprocal agreement countries to be able to get the dollars that they are owed for their children. In 2017, Canada signed the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance but it has not yet ratified itself to the Convention. We know that the minister was talking a little bit about some of the pro- cess in order for Canada to ratify it. So, hopefully, we're getting to a place where that will occur.

The Convention allows better recovery of family main - tenance when one parent lives in another country and, as I said earlier, it's been ratified by the EU, the UK and the US, among other countries. Canada cannot ratify and become a party to the Convention until necessary federal legislation comes into force and at least one province or territory also makes the necessary legis lative changes. So, again, why it's important for Manitoba to take a lead along- side BC in having legis lation that will support the Convention.

Being a party to the Convention would make it easier to resolve some of the family law issues when one or more parties live in other countries. Recent changes were made to Canada's federal family laws related to divorce, parenting and enforce ment of family obligations. These changes modernize Canada's approach and it also moved Canada to align- ment with its obligations as signatory to the Hague Convention. We've already debated many of those bills. There's a couple of bills that came during this session that have modernized and brought us in line with some of the federal changes that we've seen.

And, again, like, that's a good thing. That's a good thing when we can put laws in place that will protect children, that put the rights of children first. The 2000 Hague Convention actually, in its statement, actually talks about the rights of the child as one of its core principles. And so legis lation that goes to support that infrastructure and uplifting and upholding and centring the rights of children I think are a good thing, deputy–Acting Deputy Speaker. So, you know, I do want to just take –I wasn't planning on talking long about Bill 37 because, again, it is a good bill and we are in support of it.

But it does open the opportunity to talk about, again, some of the issues that we have in respect of child maintenance, and, again, the lengths of what some individuals will go to to not have to pay their child maintenance, even despite it being court-ordered. * (15:40) I do want to read into the record, as part of this debate or this discussion, an email that was both sent to myself –I was cc'd in it –and to the Minister of Justice (Mr. Goertzen).

And I just want to read it into the record because I think it's im portant that it illus - trates the frustration and the navigating that some parents have to go through within the current system. And I know that I've tried to talk with this mom a couple of times, but I think it's im portant to put it on the record because this is what we're talki ng about when we're saying that there's issues in respect of get- ting court orders and child maintenance from individ- uals that don't pay their–what they're supposed to.

And so, the letter is addressed to the minister : I am contacting you today regarding my current and active file with the Maintenance En forcement Program. I am seeking answers and results on my file, and I have been –and, actually, Deputy –or, Acting Deputy Speaker, let me just say that, of course, I will not say any names or any file numbers, just to protect the individual who sent this letter. But the minister has this in his files as well. But, again, to honour this mom, I want to use my opportunity in the House this afternoon to read into the record her–what she's trying to convey here.

I'm seeking answers and results on my file, and I have been communicating and providing the program with sufficient information pertaining to my file since 2017. I have spoken with MEP and have sent count - less emails with infor mation and pictur es on the whereabouts of the debtor, including family address and phone numbers of where he is residing. I have not received child support for my children since 2017, and now the debtor owes a total of $51,065. That's a sig - nificant amount of money that we're talking about, and it's a significant amount of money that should be going to her two children.

2324 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA May 24, 2022 I understand the program, and I also understand during COVID, courts were closed for a period of time, as I was advised he was served a court order t o appear, and then courts closed. Courts are now back and open, and I'm wondering why this debtor is allow- ed to run free. This program is supposed to help parents/care - givers obtain child support; however, five years and still no action is taken place. T his is very sad and inexcusable. What is the program meant for? How does the program and our Justice De partment protect the parent and the child?

Please explain how a parent can get away with not paying for his children for that long and owe that much, a nd not even see a day in court or jail. This is uncalled for, and at the end of the day, the parent–the children suffer because our Justice Department does not support or help those that need this and suffer financial hardship. I am requesting action, and I am requesting reso- lution. This program clearly needs new rules, new policies and procedures because the way that it is being managed is clearly not working for those who endure the hardshi

Document details

Collection	Manitoba — Debates (Hansard)
Citation	42-4-55b
Type	hansard
Volume / chapter	42nd 4th hansardpdf 55b.pdf
Language	en
Format	pdf
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	ff6d255ec38cd2f455afc6532e2ecbcb78cd9e6c

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